I know many artists who wouldn't ever do a commission. They have in the past, and they really didn't enjoy the experience. Here are some of the reasons I heard:

• The client can be so picky and hard to please
• We never have the same idea in mind so the process is frustrating
• I don't like to take direction when I create
• It usually isn't something that I actually want to do, so it is a painful process
• I don't usually charge enough and the process isn't worth it

On the other side, many art lovers are afraid to commission paintings and here are their reasons:

• What if I don't like it in the end?
• What if I change my mind after I see it?
• How do I properly describe what I am looking for?
• How do I negotiate price?
• What if the artist takes longer than they promised?
• What if the artist disappears or doesn't deliver the work at all?

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These can all be true! Commissions are difficult - they require some careful communication and negotiation. Don't be afraid to ask for the amount of money you need to do the project, and if you are a client- don't be afraid to negotiate.

I have done a few commissions over the years. I look forward to doing a multiple painting commission project one day! Here is the process that has helped me:
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1. Ask the potential client what paintings of yours they like and what they like about them. Take some time to get specific so you can see that the client understands your work and they actually want something very similar! I was on the phone with this client and we talked while he was looking at my website.
   1. Client - make sure you have studied the artist's work!
2. Ask them to describe the painting they hope you can create for them. What feeling are they after? What is the reason for the painting? Where will it be hanging? This was a painting for his wife and it was where they had their first dates - romantic! He wanted to capture that time - at night, in late fall
   1. Client - if you don't know specifics, then be ready for the client to take more liberty
3. Get details: size, subject, colours, finish (coating, framing, hanging). He had a specific spot for it and that determined the size.
4. Collect photos - yours or theirs. The client budgeted for me to go and take photos. This worked out well because I suggested a different view point then he originally had in mind.
   1. If the commission is in reference to a real place or person.
5. Do some sketches and send them to the client. Make sure you are both on the same page. Listen to any concerns they might have and talk about them. 
   1. Client - look at the sketches and ask questions if you have any. This is the time to make changes, not later once the painting has begun.
6. Do the painting and send updates to the client in terms you both agree on - it is great when the client is positive and encouraging!
   1. Client - be positive and encouraging - nothing slows an artist down like criticism. Ask questions if you aren't sure of the direction.
7. Before I sealed the painting with Resin, I sent a photo to the client. I would hate to make any changes, but it would be impossible after the final coating.
   1. Client - this isn't the time for any big changes, but perhaps a small detail or two
8. Charge enough for your time and energy! Commissions are more expensive because it is a collaborative process. It takes some energy and time to make sure you capture what the client has in mind. 
   1. Client - be prepared to love your piece forever and to reward the artist for their hard work and attention to your needs.

Here is a glimpse into how I created this painting:

I have been working with beeswax and resin, photo transfer, ink & calligraphy pen, oil paints and oil pastels. Lots of layers, drawing and colours. Here is a little breakdown of my process.

Creating a commission painting is a long process and a road which many artists refuse to embark on. Why? Well there are a few reasons why artists often don't like doing commissions:

1.  it is difficult to really pin down exactly what the client is looking for.
2. Clients often start to express changes once they see the painting in progress.
3. Clients sometimes change their mind about wanting to spend their money once it comes time to paying for the final product.
4. You have to be able to communicate well and often with the client. 
5. It can be difficult to get negative or critical feedback

Most of the time, I really enjoy the challenge of a commission. I try to mitigate some of those above issues by:

1. Making sure that the client is looking at your current work and is saying things like, 'can you make me something very similar to this?'
2. I ask a lot of general questions in the beginning: Why do you want this? Who is it for? What motivated you to contact me? How much time do you have? How much do you want to spend? 
3. After those are answered, we start to talk about the details of the painting. What are you looking for exactly?
4. After those questions and answers, we both know weather I am the right artist for their vision or if they should keep looking.
5. Then I explain my terms. 40% down and this is non-refundable. I will do my best to honour or agreed upon date, but the more changes you ask for the longer the painting will take to complete. 
6. I will send photos of the painting. 'Are we good with this?' If they want to make a small change at this point, then I can usually accommodate them without too much trouble. 
7. By the completion of the painting the client has seen and approved of the progress along the way and they are not faced with too many surprises. OF course, there are always last minute decisions that an artist has too be able to make in order to keep the integrity of the painting - but it isn't crazy different. 
8. The final step is the delivery of a professionally finished painting in exchange for a well-earned payment. 

Yes, it is a lot of work to do a commission. More bother than most artists want to attempt, but there is something really satisfying about working on a painting that is already sold!

"Oh my goodness, they are gorgeous!" - Kandace Wylie-toews

Kandace Wylie-Toews a Drumheller resident and artist herself, has commission a few paintings with her beloved family photos. I can't wait to work with these photos to create some really fabulous paintings!
Kandace, by the way repurposes furniture to create stunning, unique pieces of art for your home. I want to buy each and every piece that she creates!
 The Brocanteuse - Check her facebook page out: The Brocanteuse.

Check back here to see how the paintings turn out!

Part of what I love about my work is the connection to community. Photos are a great way to have an interesting conversation with strangers. Bev is someone I met at the Drumheller Market and I had the honour of visiting her home.

I usually get a few lines of information - which is all I need to create the paintings, but n this case, I have a whole book full of stories to work from!  Bev Myers married into a family with a long history in the Drumheller valley. May Murphy, an Aunt on her husband's side, published a book about this history and now Bev would like to get a couple of paintings to celebrate the family. I'm honour for the opportunity to work with such a lovely family and their stories.  

Stay tuned for updates on the photos I choose to work with and how I will use them in my paintings. 

Send me one or two high resolution files.
Scan your hardcopy photos in at 300dpi.
Save as a jpg and email them to me: jakejoyartist@gmail.com
Or attach in a facebook message on the page: https://www.facebook.com/jakejoyartist/
I can only improve on the image you send me - try to send me photos that are not too damaged or faded.

Each painting has one theme. If you would like more than one theme included, then you should consider two different pieces. 
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​Here are some examples of old photos I have used so far. Click on each picture to see how the paintings turned out. 

The paintings take some of the personal out of the original photos but keeps their essence.

1. I bring the photos I take into photoshop and do some work there. I like to desaturate the photo so that I can add colour with my paint. Or I take out some colours and leave others.
2. I crop it to fit inside my 8x10 canvas.
3. Print and then use a photo-transfer technique to put my image on the birch panel canvas. I have to remember to reverse the image in photoshop first!